Search Results (85)

Enhancing the real-world performance of sustainably designed and certified green buildings remains a significant challenge, particularly in hot climates where efforts to improve thermal comfort often conflict with energy efficiency goals. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), even newly constructed facilities with green building certifications present opportunities for retrofitting and performance optimization. This study investigates the energy and thermal comfort performance of a LEED Gold-certified, mixed-use university campus in Dubai through a calibrated digital twin developed using IES thermal modelling software. The analysis evaluated existing sustainable design strategies alongside three retrofit energy conservation measures (ECMs): (1) improved building envelope U-values, (2) installation of additional daylight sensors, and (3) optimization of fan coil unit efficiency. Simulation results demonstrated that the three ECMs collectively achieved a total reduction of 15% in annual energy consumption. Thermal comfort was assessed using operative temperature distributions, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfaction (PPD) metrics. While fan coil optimization yielded the highest energy savings, it led to less favorable comfort outcomes. In contrast, enhancing envelope U-values maintained indoor conditions consistently within ASHRAE-recommended comfort zones. To further support energy reduction and progress toward Net Zero targets, the study also evaluated the integration of a 228.87 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which offset 8.09% of the campus’s annual energy demand. By applying data-driven thermal modelling to assess retrofit impacts on both energy performance and occupant comfort in a certified green building, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature and offers a replicable framework for advancing building performance in hot climate regions. Full article

This strategic document outlines Bulgaria’s roadmap for modernizing its cartographic sector from 2025 to 2035, addressing the outdated geospatial infrastructure, lack of standardized digital practices, lack of coordinated digital infrastructure, outdated standards, and fragmented data management systems. The strategy was developed in accordance with the national methodology for strategic planning and through preliminary consultations with key stakeholders, including research institutions, business organizations, and public institutions. It aims to build a human-centered, data-driven geospatial framework aligned with global standards such as ISO 19100 and the EU INSPIRE Directive. Core components include: (1) modernization of the national geodetic system, (2) adoption of remote sensing and AI technologies, (3) development of interactive, web-based geospatial platforms, and (4) implementation of quality assurance and certification standards. A SWOT analysis highlights key strengths—such as existing institutional expertise—and critical challenges, including outdated legislation and insufficient coordination. The strategy emphasizes the need for innovation, regulatory reform, inter-institutional collaboration, and sustained investment. It ultimately positions Bulgarian cartography as a strategic contributor to national sustainable development and digital transformation. Full article

The global push for sustainable development has intensified the need for innovative tools to assess and enhance sustainability in the built environment. This study explores the role of materials efficiency (ME) within a nature-inspired sustainability assessment framework, focusing on green building projects in South Africa. Using a nature-based (biomimicry) approach, this study identifies and prioritises key ME criteria such as eco-friendly materials, local sourcing, and responsible processing. The methodology employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), with input from 38 carefully sampled construction experts, to rank ME criteria through pairwise comparisons. The findings revealed that eco-friendly materials (29.5%) and locally sourced materials (25.1%) were the highest-weighted factors, with strong expert consensus (CR = 0.01). The study highlights how nature-inspired principles like closed-loop systems and minimal waste can guide sustainable construction aligned with global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conclusion advocates for integrating ME criteria into green certification systems, industry collaboration, and further research to scale the framework globally. This study bridges biomimicry theory with practical sustainability assessment, offering actionable insights for the built environment. Full article

The rapid growth of the global population and associated increases in resource consumption have accelerated environmental degradation, making sustainable design and construction processes increasingly essential. The construction sector holds significant potential for reducing environmental impacts, especially through sustainability-focused certification systems such as LEED. This study evaluates the projected energy efficiency and sustainability performance of the Surgical Sciences Building at Istanbul University’s Çapa Campus, which was designed with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification. The assessment is based on design-phase data and conducted prior to construction. Energy performance analyses were carried out using DesignBuilder software, supported by the LEED Assessment Report and Energy Audit Report. According to simulation results, approximately 30% savings in energy consumption and water usage are expected. In addition, the process-oriented LEED approach is expected to result in a total CO₂ emission savings of approximately 570 tonnes, while renewable energy systems are expected to meet approximately 13% of the building’s primary energy demand and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 151 tonnes per year. Waste management strategies developed for both the construction and operational phases are aligned with LEED criteria and aim to achieve up to 80% recycling rates. The findings demonstrate that LEED certification, when employed as a process-oriented design and decision-making tool rather than a result-oriented label, can enable sustainable strategies to be integrated from the earliest stages of project development. Particularly for complex healthcare buildings, embedding LEED principles into the design process has strong potential to enhance environmental performance. Although based on a single case study, this research provides valuable insight into the broader applicability of LEED in diverse building types and geographic contexts. Full article

Considering the climate crisis, global environmental awareness, and the pursuit of sustainable architecture, various methodologies and global standards have been developed to assess and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Green Building Codes (GBCs) and rating systems have been implemented worldwide to support green building practices based on the use of simulation models to evaluate energy consumption, such as the ENERGYui and others to rate buildings based on their simulated energy performance. Israel has also established green building standards, such as SI 5281, which provide practical tools for architects to promote the use of green building methods. However, several studies have cast doubt on the actual measured performance of certified buildings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Israeli green building certification process (SI 5281/SI 5282) through a comparison between simulation-based ratings with measured post-occupancy electricity consumption. Through four case studies, the research identifies discrepancies, explores their causes, and proposes refinements to certification assumptions and evaluation methods. The research is intended to enhance the effectiveness of assessment tools in architectural design and contribute to more precise and sustainable green building practices. This study identifies significant gaps between simulated and actual energy consumption in Israeli green buildings, highlighting that, within this framework, educational buildings tend to exceed predicted usage, while residential buildings often consume less, thereby exposing limitations in current simulation assumptions and standard evaluation criteria. Full article

Green building materials play a vital role in mitigating the significant carbon emissions produced by the construction industry. However, the widespread presence of greenwashing, where firms falsely portray their products or practices as environmentally friendly, presents a critical obstacle to the adoption of genuinely sustainable materials. The risk of collusion between building material enterprises and certification institutions further exacerbates this challenge by undermining trust in green certification processes. To investigate these issues, this study develops an evolutionary game model that captures the strategic interactions between building material enterprises and certification institutions. The model incorporates the behavioral assumptions of prospect theory, specifically bounded rationality, loss aversion, and diminishing sensitivity, to reflect the real-world decision-making behavior of the involved actors. The findings reveal three evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) within the system. First, a higher initial willingness by both enterprises and certifiers to engage in ethical practices increases the likelihood of convergence to an optimal and stable outcome. Second, a greater degree of diminishing sensitivity in the value function promotes the adoption of authentic green behavior by enterprises. In contrast, a lower degree of diminishing sensitivity encourages certification institutions to refrain from collusion. Third, although the loss aversion coefficient does not directly affect strategy selection, higher levels of loss aversion lead to stronger preferences for green behavior among enterprises and noncollusive behavior among certifiers. This research makes a novel theoretical contribution by introducing prospect theory into the analysis of greenwashing behavior in the building materials sector. It also provides actionable insights for improving regulatory frameworks and certification standards to mitigate greenwashing and enhance institutional accountability. Full article

In promoting sustainable cities and societies, accelerating the shift from sustainable building design to sustainable building operations is essential. A persistent challenge lies in the absence of a unified, multidimensional metric that enables meaningful performance comparisons across buildings of similar types and functions, both regionally and globally. This study develops and demonstrates the operational sustainability index (OPSi)—a novel metric grounded in case study research that integrates indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy utility quality (EUQ). OPSi is applied to six buildings in three comparative cases: (1) LEED-certified and non-certified dormitories, (2) LEED-certified and non-certified event buildings, and (3) male- and female-occupied multifamily housing units. Results show that the LEED-certified dormitory underperformed in two of five OPSi variants compared to its non-certified counterpart despite achieving up to 18% higher objective IEQ performance. The LEED-certified event building outperformed its non-certified counterpart across all OPSi metrics, with up to 88% higher objective IEQ scores. Findings also include higher energy performance in male-occupied housing units than in female-occupied ones, highlighting behavioral differences worthy of future study. This research addresses longstanding criticisms of green certification systems—particularly their limited capacity to holistically measure post-certification operational performance—by offering a practical and scalable evaluation framework. OPSi aligns with global sustainability goals, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and supports smart, data-driven decision-making. Future applications may extend OPSi to include carbon life cycle assessment and maintenance metrics to further strengthen building sustainability in urban contexts. Full article

The growth in the adoption of circular economy principles in the construction industry has given rise to material passports as a critical implementation tool. Given the existing problems of high resource use and high waste generation in the construction industry, there is a pressing need to adopt novel strategies and tools to mitigate the adverse impacts of the built environment. However, research on the application of material passports in the context of construction waste management remains limited. The aim of this paper is to identify the contextual uses, stakeholders, requirements, and challenges in the application of material passports for managing waste generated from building construction and demolition processes through a systematic review approach. Comprehensive searches in Scopus and the Web of Science databases are used to identify relevant papers and reduce the risk of selection bias. Thirty-five (35) papers are identified and included in the review. The identified key contexts of use included buildings and cities as material banks, waste management and trading, and integrated digital technologies. Asset owners, waste management operators, construction and deconstruction teams, technology providers, and regulatory and sustainability teams are identified as key stakeholders. Data requirements related to material, components, building stock data, lifecycle, environmental impact data, and deconstruction and handling data are critical. Moreover, the key infrastructure requirements include modeling and analytical tools, collaborative information exchange systems, sensory tracking tools, and digital and physical storage hubs. However, challenges with data management, costs, process standardization, technology, stakeholder collaboration, market demand, and supply chain logistics still limit the implementation. Therefore, it is recommended that future research be directed towards certification and standardization protocols, automation, artificial intelligence tools, economic viability, market trading, and innovative end-use products. Full article

Over 85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2001, contributing to energy inefficiencies, material waste, and increasing socio-economic disparities. While deep energy renovations (DER) are critical to EU climate goals, their implementation remains hindered by financial, regulatory, and social barriers. Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into DER offers a pathway to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability yet requires a systemic understanding of feedback dynamics. This study applies a systems-thinking approach to examine the interdependencies influencing CE-DER implementation. Five thematic clusters—technical enablers, economic and policy barriers, social sustainability factors, environmental considerations, and digitalization for climate resilience—are identified, informing the development of causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The CLDs reveal key reinforcing loops such as innovation investment, policy learning, stakeholder co-design, operational efficiency, and balancing loops, including certification bottlenecks, financial fragmentation, and digital resistance. The findings suggest that CE-DER success relies on activating reinforcing dynamics while addressing systemic constraints through coordinated financial incentives, ethical digitalization, and inclusive governance. By visualizing interdependencies across technical, social, and policy domains, the feedback-oriented framework developed provides actionable insights for advancing socially equitable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient renovation strategies. Full article

As the global community struggles with pressing environmental challenges, the field of architecture finds itself at the forefront of sustainable innovation. The multidisciplinary nature of architectural education curriculums covers a wide range of ecological topics; however, the tangible impact of these courses in the design process has not been well explored. Accordingly, this study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of an “Ecological Conscious Building Design” (ECBD) course in enhancing architectural design education and promoting ecological consciousness among future architecture practitioners. To this extent, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed as a systematic framework for evaluating the impact of the course on students’ knowledge, abilities, and attitudes towards sustainable architectural practices. This study explored the benefits and drawbacks of integrating ecologically conscious building design techniques into architectural education through a comprehensive analysis of students’ feedback, performance assessments, and course outcomes. The research also examined the alignment between the course curriculum and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system criteria, assessing whether the course equips students to contribute to environmentally responsible architectural solutions. This research provides insights into academia and the architecture industry by exploring the nexus between architectural education and sustainable design. The results indicate that both students and experts prioritize “energy and atmosphere” and “indoor environmental quality” as critical components of sustainable design education. However, experts place greater emphasis on “innovation” and forward-looking approaches. These findings highlight a gap between pedagogical goals and practical readiness, offering actionable insights to align curriculum with industry standards and long-term sustainability strategies. Full article

The construction sector, by its very nature complex and multifaceted, is constantly looking for new methods capable of improving the management system of a project, increasing the efficiency and productivity of some operational phases related to careful planning of the works. To date, the aspects related to sustainability are attributable to the materials used and energy consumption of buildings, but the construction phase of a building is the most harmful moment for the environment. This research has as its primary objective the in-depth study of one of the salient aspects of Facility Management: the guarantee of and compliance with environmental standards, in particular during the construction phase. In more detail, the aspect of the acquisition of methodologies for the environmental management of the recovery site will be explored through compliance with the so-called DNSH (Do Not Significant Harm) Principle, introduced by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), an economic instrument that supports the national recovery and resilience plans (PNRR). Environmental management will be explored through the creation of an environmental sustainability protocol applied to the construction phase and drawn up on the basis of current environmental legislation. The protocol was validated with the application of the ACS (Sustainable Construction Site Certificate) in a case study located in Italy, Palazzo Lazzaro, which is located in the post-earthquake reconstruction areas, in particular, in Fossa (AQ). Full article

This study examines the quality and availability of daylight in childcare facilities, focusing on compliance with Polish Technical Conditions (TCs) and comparing them with international certification systems such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. Polish regulations regarding sunlight exposure require revisions to support the sustainable development of buildings, impacting children’s well-being, their health, and the building’s energy efficiency. Daylight’s significance for children’s health and development underpins the investigation, highlighting its impact on the circadian rhythm, cognitive abilities, and well-being. The research utilized computational simulations with Rhinoceros 7 and Ladybug and Honeybee plugins to model a preschool room’s daylight performance under various window configurations and orientations. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted, focusing on parameters such as Daylight Factor (DF), Daylight Autonomy (DA), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). The findings revealed that while the TCs’ requirements ensure minimum daylight access, they result in nonoptimal lighting quality as defined by international standards. Almost half of the surveyed rooms in the case with a WFR of one-eighth did not meet the condition for having acceptable daylight levels, as defined in the study. In the same study, only about one-third of the analyzed variants achieved the threshold for good daylight quality. At a WFR of one-eighth, no room variant reached the level considered to indicate excellent daylight quality. The results show the need for revised regulations incorporating comprehensive metrics like Climate-Based Daylight Modeling (CBDM). This study suggests that integrating advanced methods of assessing daylight quality could significantly improve daylight conditions in childcare environments. This research is a starting point for discussing the need to modernize the Polish Technical Conditions (TC) to support the sustainable development of childcare facilities in Poland. Full article

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) represent an innovative approach to thinking and designing cities sustainably, in compliance with the European Union energy strategy. This strategy integrates sectors such as urban planning, energy, and construction to synergistically address energy and environmental challenges. Studies on sustainability assessment systems applied in PEDs evidenced that they focus mostly on energy aspects, while few include a comprehensive life cycle assessment of equivalent CO₂ emissions, considering the building component and the impacts of the materials used. Additionally, most assessments are conducted on the urban and district scale, such as Neighborhood Sustainability Assessments (NSA), which begin to correlate PEDs with the dynamics of selecting sustainable materials for green-certified projects, analyzed throughout the entire life cycle, relying on the adoption of Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) at the building scale. To explore the impact of environmentally friendly (i.e., ‘green’) GBRS certifications in the selection of building materials and products according to sustainability criteria, and to encourage their use in projects explicitly referring to PEDs, this study analyzes the technical solutions implemented in two significant residential building renovation projects in Italy from a PED perspective. It proposes a classification system based on the required targets of energy efficiency, energy production, and energy flexibility. The results include the definition of an expandable portfolio of technical solutions, an analytical comparison between the materials used in the energy renovation projects of the case studies examined, and the sustainability criteria provided by voluntary ’green’ certification tools (GBRS). The collected evidence offers an operational framework that confirms the positive impact of GBRS certifications and the related selection of materials on sustainable urban development, contributing to the scientific debate on PEDs. Furthermore, the use of voluntary ’green’ certifications at the building scale can be encouraged in the context of the transition towards PEDs, aiming to identify specific criteria and indicators for the selection of building materials to be integrated into future PED certifications. This aims to contribute to creating energy self-sufficient urban areas, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, in line with global emission reduction and climate change mitigation goals. Full article

Korea is making efforts to reduce carbon emissions from buildings and, as part of this initiative, the government is promoting the expansion of modular housing. This study analyzed the feasibility of achieving zero-energy certification and the economic viability of applying photovoltaic (PV) systems to modular housing in Korea. Energy consumption and self-sufficiency were calculated for low-rise (4 floors), mid-rise (13 floors), and high-rise (30 floors) buildings. Economic viability was assessed according to the payback period, net present value (NPV), and benefit–cost ratio (B/C ratio). Construction costs of modular buildings are higher than those of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, and when only PV systems are applied, it is not possible to achieve a high grade in high-rise buildings. The results indicate that economic feasibility is lacking across all building heights, leading to the conclusion that further research on cost reduction and expanded government support are necessary. This study presents a sustainable building model for Korea that is expected to contribute to future policy decisions. Full article

This study examines the influence of sustainability certifications on the real estate market, particularly highlighting the advantages they offer compared to uncertified buildings and their recognition within the industry. A survey targeting various industry professionals garnered ninety responses, predominantly from the real estate sector. The survey explored the respondents’ awareness and perceived benefits of sustainability certifications, their priority areas within sustainability, and the relevance of these certifications across different real estate sectors. The analysis also compared the additional costs and operational savings of certified versus uncertified buildings. Among the certifications, LEED and BREEAM were the most recognized. The primary benefits associated with these certifications included enhanced corporate image, improved health and well-being, increased building value, and higher rental yields. We estimated a valuation and rent premium for certified buildings, noting that these premiums were more pronounced among respondents who were younger, had less professional experience, and were from the property sector. The office market was identified as the segment placing the highest importance on sustainability certifications. Additionally, the LiderA evaluation system’s weighting closely aligned with the respondents’ sustainability priorities. This study concludes that while sustainability certifications incur a cost premium, this is outweighed by the appreciation in building value, rental advantages, and operational cost savings. Full article